I AM IN: Inclusion Initiative

South Boston Club Home | Message from the Executive Director | Directions | En Español

Advisory Board | Program Guides | Membership Application | Summer Camp | Alumni

Club Projects Gallery | Club Events Gallery | Club Programs Gallery | Shared Projects

Programs and Services | Our Clubs

 

 

  “I Am In” at the South Boston Club

 

BGCB has always had an inclusion philosophy, but now the organization has a comprehensive approach that provides much more support for our staff and members. “I Am In” (Inclusion: All Members Included Now) has been fully implemented at our South Boston Club, and plans are in place to roll out this successful pilot across all of our Clubs.

BGCB’s inclusion initiative strives to:

  • teach members to have a healthy view of differences in others and themselves

  • give all members opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice important life skills in a supportive environment

  • develop strong character skills in all members by recognizing their strengths, supporting their needs and encouraging them to do the same in others.

Because of the nature of inclusion, the initiative supports all aspects of programming within our Clubs. This may include adapting recreation activities so that all members can participate and experience success, creating engaging educational activities to support learning, or finding innovative ways to allow
all members, regardless of ability, access to the arts and technology.

The initiative was launched with support from Partners for Youth (PYD) with Disabilities, who provided staff training and coaching. The Club’s trained inclusion staff provide 79 hours per week of support. Funding for the initiative is provided, in part, by BGCB’s President’s Innovation Fund.

The Club can now better serve children and teens who:

  • have Down syndrome, autism or developmental delays

  • experience social anxiety

  • need help with their homework

  • have an IEP

  • need behavioral support

  • have a physical impairment

  • need help making friends

  • have a learning disability

The goals:

  • creates an inclusive environment

  • supports members in order to help them succeed

  • facilitates positive peer relationships

  • educates members about inclusion and diversity

This initiative provides:

  • Motivation to succeed

  • Supportive, welcoming environment

  • Individually designed structured schedules

  • Peer support

  • Individualized staff support

  • Communication with schools

  • Environmental adaptations

  • Activity adaptations

 

The South Boston Club is committed to creating an inclusive community and will work to help each individual succeed in all of the programs we offer. If your child has a special need or could benefit from additional support, please contact our Inclusion Facilitator, Jessie Kandel, at 617-516-5454 or jkandel@bgcb.org.

 

To return to the South Boston Club program page, click here.